Tuberculosis Testing

International student TB testing requirement

To comply with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College Health Association, Western Michigan University requires international students from high-risk countries to submit results in English of a TB test prior to the start of classes.

Many international students received BCG vaccine, which reduced their TB risk as children. However, BCG vaccine effectiveness declines with time. A TB test is still required for those who have previously received BCG.

Some students are exempt

Students are exempt from this requirement if they were were born in one of these countries with a low rate of tuberculosis:

Get tested, send your results to us

If you were not born in one of the countries listed; have lived in or traveled to a country with a high rate of TB; or have had close contact with anyone who has had active TB you are required to have a Mantoux skin test or QuantiFERON TB Gold test administered within three months prior to arriving at Western Michigan University.

If your TB test is negative or non-reactive when read by your medical provider:

Send us your results (in English).

If your TB test is positive or reactive when read by your medical provider, you must:

If you have TB infection

Most people diagnosed with TB infection have inactive, latent TB, which cannot be transmitted and does not cause symptoms. Treatment with antibiotics is recommended in order to prevent active TB. Students can attend school normally. Active TB can be transmitted and is very serious, possibly causing permanent damage and even death. It is curable with appropriate medicine, and treatment with antibiotics is required. Students will not be allowed to attend school until you have a release from your medical provider.

Having TB will not affect a student's status. Western Michigan University must report cases of active TB (not latent TB) to the Kalamazoo County Health Department for investigation of possible transmission to others. Otherwise, health records at WMU are confidential and cannot be released without patient consent.